obama's idea includes tax hikes on the wealthy and more government spending on infrastructure. he is making it the new center piece of a tv ad for the closing argument. >> if i could sit down with you at the table or in the living room, here is what i would say. >> reporter: mitt romney focused on the deep ties to the military, warning that devastating job losses are coming if congress and the president went through with potential defense cuts. >> the impact will be immediate and significant right here in virginia. 136,000 jobs will be lost in virginia as a result of this move. >> reporter: this new feeling reflects the idea that many have voted. in 2008, nearly a third of all voters cast ballots before election day this year the number could grow to 40%, but in some of the key swing states the number could even be higher, more than half of all voters in colorado, florida, nevada and north carolina cast their ballots early four years ago. voting is under way in virginia, which could be the new political bellwether, mr. obama won there earlier, identical to his nationwide popula